Having indigestion: what to know

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, may feel like upper-abdominal burning, pressure, early fullness, bloating, belching, or nausea. It can follow a large or rich meal, eating quickly, alcohol, smoking, stress, or medicines that irritate the stomach. Acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones, Helicobacter pylori infection, a hiatus hernia, and a peptic ulcer can also produce similar symptoms.

The location, timing, and associated features help a clinician distinguish causes. Tell them about weight change, vomiting, swallowing difficulty, bowel changes, regular medicines, and whether discomfort is related to meals or movement.

Try smaller meals, eat slowly, and remain upright after eating. Reduce personal triggers such as fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, or large late meals. Avoid smoking and review stomach-irritating medicines with a clinician rather than stopping prescribed treatment yourself. A pharmacist can advise whether acid reflux medication is suitable for short-term symptom relief.

Book a medical review when indigestion keeps returning, lasts despite practical changes, or begins later in life without an obvious trigger. Seek urgent help for severe or worsening pain, chest pain, faintness, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, yellowing of the skin, or trouble swallowing.

Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux or another digestive condition, whether testing for Helicobacter pylori is appropriate, and which medicines or foods you should review.